Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Movie Review for "Why We Ride" (Critical Review)

I have just recently watched the movie "Why We Ride" as I enjoy riding passenger with my boyfriend on his motorcycles, and I am involved and interested in the culture itself. Little did I know that the people featured in this film are not just riders, but addicted to riding. It is easy for me to understand why. Despite the fact that I ride as passenger, I can easily relate to these people based upon how they describe their riding experience not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically. This film magically reaches out to all people, whether they ride or not, involving an element that is persuasive, making the audience addicted to the thrill and community that riding brings.

Why We Ride is a documentary that brings forward new angles of viewing motorcycles and the people riding them. There are scenes highlighting the rider, passenger, and spectators point of view, with narrations as to how each person is influenced by this culture. The people the choose for particular interviews are of all age ranges and are both men and women. Different from motorcycle riding being just a hobby or a thrill, it was described as something they cannot live without in their life, and more importantly it would not shape them the same way if they weren't riding. Many parents shown in the documentary describe motorcycle riding as a discipline element  for their children whether it be to get them to learn a skill or something to take away as a disciplinary action, not letting them ride.

The sense of community is ever prevalent in the documentary, showing that there is a sense of unity unlike automobile drivers. The friendly wave to the other motorcyclist is a commonality and shows the camaraderie between family, friends, and even people you don't know that pass you on a bike. Riding is more than it seems to the outside community to people who do not ride. For example, riding tends to make people more social. You can start out riding alone, and then notice another biker going the same way as you, and along the way make a life long friend.

Most people forget about the numerous generations of the motorcycle. Therefore, if you are a rider watching this documentary you can learn  about the different types of motorcycles and how they have evolved along with the rider throughout time. The images used in this documentary make the viewer feel as if they are in the action and part of it, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment and importance, provoking you to start riding and enjoy everything motorcycling has to offer such as physical, emotional, and psychological release with the great bonus of becoming part of the biking community.

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